Biology of Mesochorus agilis,1 an Indirect Hyperparasite of Bathyplectes cuculionis1,2

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Mesochorus agilis Cresson is an indirect solitary hyperparasite of Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson), a primary parasite of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal). Females lay a single egg in larvae of B. curculionis within larvae of the weevil. There are at least 3 larval stages. The developmental period from egg to adult in field-collected nondiapause cocoons requires 31.4± 1.3 days. A description of immature stages and criteria for separating mature larvae, pupae, and adults of M. agilis from those of B. curculionis are presented. Females prefer to oviposit in late instar weevil larvae parasitized by B. curculionis. Generally, females are able to determine whether weevil larvae re parasitized or unparasitized. The 1st instars of M. agilis overwinter and complete development with the advent of warmer spring weather. Adults of the 1st generation emerge from diapause cocoons while those of the 2nd generation emerge from nondiapause cocoons of B. curculionis. Adults of M. agilis were collected in the field from late April until early July in 1972. This hyperparasite poses a more serious threat to nondiapausing larvae than to diapausing larvae of 5. curculionis, unlike most other important hyperparasites studied in Colorado.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: